Alkylphenols in Surface Sediments of the Gulf of Gdansk (Baltic Sea)

Abstract

The widespread use of alkylphenols in European industry has led to their presence in the environment and the living organisms of the Baltic Sea. The present study (2011–2012) was designed to determine the concentrations of alkylphenols, 4-nonylphenol (NP) and 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), in surface sediments of the Gulf of Gdansk, a section of the Baltic that lies in close proximity to industrial and agricultural areas and borders with an agglomeration of nearly one million inhabitants. It is also where the Vistula, the largest Polish river, ends its course. In spring, large concentrations of 4-nonylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenol were washed off into the coastal zone with meltwater. In summertime, sediments near the beach had the highest alkylphenol concentrations (NP—2.31 ng g−1 dw, OP—13.09 ng g−1 dw), which was related to tourism and recreational activity. In silt sediments located off the coast, the highest NP (1.46 ng g−1 dw) and OP (6.56 ng g−1 dw) amounts were observed in autumn. The origin of OP and NP at those test stations was linked to atmospheric transport of black carbon along with adsorbed alkylphenols.

Distribution and estrogenic potential of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in estuarine sediments from Mumbai, India

“…As was the case with NP, the concentrations of OP were much higher in the sediments of Southeast Asia than in the Gulf of Gdansk; while in present study NP were found significantly higher as compare to OP. (Koniecko et al 2014). Estrone was detected in all surface sediment samples; and its concentration varies from 6.5 to 16.3 μg kg −1 with average value of 11.8 μg kg −1 .…”

Bisphenol A, nonylphenols, benzophenones, and benzotriazoles in soils, groundwater, surface water, sediments, and food: a review

“…The presence of NP in freshwater sediments was primarily ascribed to domestic and industrial wastes and to a lesser extent by agricultural activities (pesticide applications, sludge amendment, and irrigation with wastewater). Koniecko et al ( 2014 ) recognized the rivers and surface runoff as the main sources of NP in coastal sediments of the Gulf of Gdansk; however, they also indicated the possibility of atmospheric transportation of black carbon originating from combustion processes on land along with adsorbed alkylphenols. In Central Europe, Micic and Hofmann ( 2009 ) detected concentrations of NP between <0.02 and 2.83 mg/kg d.w. in sediment samples collected along the Danube River; important point sources were industrial sites, especially oil refineries, and drains of untreated wastewater.…”

Occurrence and distribution of bisphenol A and alkylphenols in the water of the gulf of Gdansk (Southern Baltic)

“…Sediments that form in the outlet parts of rivers become a ''repository'' of these compounds and they are likely to be transported further, both near the bottom into the accumulation zone and into the water column as a result of windinduced mixing. At the outlets of the Kacza and Gizdepka rivers, sandy and even pebbly sediments are formed, which possess very low sorptive properties (Koniecko et al, 2014). Based on the offshore stations, a clearly defined cluster was formed with higher endocrine compound concentrations in the sub-surface water.…”